As days pass through this historic event in current time, we are all just trying to get by and make it out healthy. People are now taking the extra steps forward to make sure they avoid the infamous coronavirus. 

We’re social distancing, wearing masks, and gloves even when we come in contact with others, wiping down groceries, and excessively pumping sanitizer on our hands for fear of being infected. 

So why not go the extra mile of keeping your immune system in check while at it? Before I introduce some of the treatments to strengthen the immune system, there’s a strategy to consider above choosing health treatments, and that’s choosing a healthy lifestyle. 

Like the doctor said, medicine won’t work if you don’t let it by intaking substances such as alcohol. By that I mean follow common health guidelines; don’t smoke, exercise regularly, eat healthy, drink water, get enough sleep. 

Many speak of ways to “boost” the immune system which isn’t exactly practical for many reasons. One reason being that the immune system is exactly that, a system, not precisely one operating unit. There’s too many factors in the immune system that could be affected by boosting the immune system and they are not all positive outcomes. According to Harvard University researchers, athletes who take part in blood doping, the practice of injecting oxygenated blood into the bloodstream in order to boost the number of blood cells and enhance athletic performance, could result in running the risks of strokes. 

Although practices such as blood doping could disrupt the many different kinds of cells and react to different microbes in the immune system, it isn’t to say there aren’t natural ways to protect and enhance the immune system. 

The Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, stated that antioxidants have the ability to destroy free radicals, (which are the uncharged molecules, typically highly reactive and short-lived) such as the ones like in blood doping, and protect the structural integrity of cells and tissues. The journal states that traditional medical practitioners in Nigeria know that certain herbs make the body more unaffected by diseases. 

Echinacea, a flower group that is categorized under daisies and is the most popular of the immunostimulants, according to the Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Echinacea, is well known for being used to fight infections such as the flu and colds. Researchers claim immunostimulants support T-cell function, activate macrophages, and help build bone marrow reserves. Another immunostimulant that comes from herb, astragalus extract, a natural dietary supplement, may also help to restore immunity for cancer and AIDS patients, according to the Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology. 

These supplements are worth looking into, however, if you are in need of a cure for a sickness always seek professional medical advice first.